No late reprieve as Duleek lose senior status

AFTER PLYING their trade in the senior ranks since their last IFC title win in 2005, Duleek-Bellewstown had their relegation back to intermediate confirmed at Dunshaughlin on Sunday afternoon.

Having lost the previous week, the east Meath side needed a victory in this second relegation game to have a chance of staying up, but they never threatened to upset the odds.

SKRYNE DULEEK/B’STOWN 2-19 0-13

Boosted by an early Paddy O’Rourke goal, Skryne led 1-9 to 0-7 at the break and there was no way back for Duleek-Bellewstown when Mark Battersby struck for the Tara side’s second goal on 38 minutes.

There was better news for Duleek-Bellewstown’s second string in the Junior C semi-final when they registered a resounding 4-15 to 1-10 win over Oldcastle.

They will now meet Blackhall Gaels in the upcoming Junior C decider. REF: